Respond

Question 2: Logic, coherence, and a sense of psychological satisfaction figure into our assessment of potential solutions to the problem of evil.

In assessing possible solutions, we use logic in that in the long run justice will prevail. Since the Bible clearly tells us that "what a man sows so shall he reap." It is in tandem with the law of cause and effect. Whereby no evil deed goes unpunished. For example; when the people logically interpreted that God was punishing the Nazis victims when they disobeyed Him (Cunningham & Kelsay, 2013, p. 105). Since suffering and evil are as consequences of human actions. It's thus logical that good and evil are as a result of one's work and not by fate or chance. That is in the long run one gets what they deserve. In Buddhism, it is believed that the source of evil is self; that one by enlightening to overcome self to overcome evil.

In assessing solutions to the problems of crime. Coherence or clarity is essential. That is the clarity of the divine promises (Cunningham & Kelsay, 2013, p. 108). For example; in Christianity and Judaism they both believe in fulfillment of the promise of an ideal kingdom by the Messiah. It is also evident to Christians that in time evil Messiah will assist them to overcome evil, and for Shi'a Muslims, the Mahdi meaning one who is rightly guided will reign in the afterlife. These reassurances in these religious doctrines help devotees to find solutions to the problem of evil. In that justice eventually, will be done as evil shall be conquered by good. Furthermore, there will be a revelation for the meaning of suffering in due time thus coherence. Hence from human beings perspective, there are no permanent solutions to the wicked problem. Thus the response of Job: "The Lord gave, and the Lord has taken away; blessed be the name of the Lord "(Job 1:21) should be the response of suffering humans ((Cunningham & Kelsay, 2013, p. 112).

Chapter seven helps us see how religion satisfies us psychologically by understanding that evil is beyond human comprehension. Since the human mind tends to ask the wrong question ‘'why evil?" It creates the impression that people can see and comprehend what God intended or wanted. It is satisfying to know that the sacred is beyond human comprehension. The reason is that of the supremacy and absolute freedom of the sacred over a creature that exists. Calvin says in this chapter that people get significant revelation from God about the universe and His knowledge.

In seeking solutions to the problem of evil we are satisfied psychologically, by knowing the dualism of the problem of evil (Cunningham & Kelsay, 2013, p. 112). That is the conflict between the powers of evil and good results to evil. Through the Bible, we get to see partial dualism where Satan who challenges God. Even though Satan is God's creature and God allow him to test Him in Luke's Gospel. Satan can't win that challenge with God. Because he will subject to God's sovereign will.

Another satisfying dualism is the Zoroastrianism that is the Creator (Ahura Mazda) had two twins; Angra Mainyu and Spenta Mainyu. These twins decided to make a choice. One of them (Angra Mainyu) chose evil, and the other (Spenta Mainyu) picked goodness. They thus waged a battle for greatness over the human hearts and the world (Cunningham & Kelsay, 2013, p. 112). Thus there is an equal footing between evil and good, and the Creator favors good over evil. Thus the Creator rests his hope in that humans will be wise and choose well ultimately and shape and change the world.

In conclusion, the problem of evil may not have a perfect solution. Thus we may insist for coherence and consistency through asking questions about a proposal, regarding moral and psychological consequences (Cunningham & Kelsay, 2013, p. 114).

References

Cunningham, L. & Kelsay, J. (2013). The Sacred Quest:  An Invitation to the Study of Religion

(6th ed.). Boston, MA:  Pearson Education.